If you’re increasingly concerned about climate issues and the lack of urgent action being taken, it can be comforting and empowering to meet people who feel the same and are trying to do something about it. Southampton is lucky to have a number of active environmental groups, all with a different focus and approach so why not head along to some of their meetings and events to see if there’s something you fancy getting involved with?
Southampton Climate Action Network – SoCAN is a coalition of community groups, organisations, businesses and individuals that promotes Southampton’s work towards becoming an environmentally sustainable and regerative city. Also hosts the Southampton Sustainability Directory https://www.sotoncan.org.uk/
The SOCAN calendar lists many events offered by green groups around Southampton https://www.sotoncan.org.uk/calendar/)
Greenpeace Southampton – Visit the group’s website to find out how to join in get their monthly email, or follow them on instagram or send an email to sotongreenpeace[at]gmail[dot]com. The group have monthly Zoom meetings and are out and about in action! They also meet socially, often before or after campaigning.
Southampton Cycling Campaign do a fantastic job of raising awareness around all things cycling related. They meet SCC officers for a Q&A at Denys Community Centre twice a year, have socials, rides and a monthly one-hour Zoom meeting. The best place to get in touch is via their website. Sign up here Keep updated on their instagram. For dates see socan calendar https://www.sotoncan.org.uk/calendar/
Southampton National Park City – The Southampton National Park City project wants to create more spaces that are safe to play in and where nature can flourish – a city where people, culture and nature work together. Visit their Website or Facebook Page to find out how.
Friends of the Earth Southampton – FoE Southampton are one of Southampton’s longest running environmental campaign groups. They’re currently campaigning on a range of issues. The best way to get in touch is to join their mailing list (by emailing foesoton<at>gmail.com)
Rhythms for Resistance Drumming group that performs at local events. Weekly rehearsals take place early evenings on the Little Common (dates on Socan calendar https://www.sotoncan.org.uk/calendar/) It’s easy to join in, fun, and a great way to get involved in the community. To join email foesoton[at]gmail[dot]com (include your phone number to be added to the WhatsApp group)
Extinction Rebellion Southampton – not currently active
Transition Southampton – You found us! We’re part of the Transition Network. We’re less of a campaign group and focus on grass roots initiatives and re-skilling so that we can help our community transition to a lower energy, more local future that isn’t reliant on cheap carbon intensive energy. We meet a few times a year and focus on individual projects like the Repair Cafe, Bitterne Park Growing Places and Transition Talks. We aim to help people get their project ideas off of the ground so if there’s something you’d like to do but don’t have the means to do it, get in touch or come along to our next meeting.
See something missing?
There are so many amazing groups around the city. Let us know if we’re missing any in the comments below. Thanks!